In today’s sermon Pastor Babij teaches how to understand the four possible endings to the gospel of Mark. Pastor Babij explains how these different endings present no contradictions of established Christian doctrine. Pastor Babij also exhorts Christians not to engage in sinful unbelief, as such will lead to certain condemnation before God’s judgement seat. Pastor…
In today’s sermon Pastor Babij highlights one of history’s most contested events, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pastor Babij details how witnesses and facts confirm that this event occurred. Further, Pastor Babij explains that the resurrection calls believers not to a blind faith but to a living faith in the risen Lord Jesus. Finally, Pastor…
In today’s sermon, Pastor Babij teaches on the uniqueness of Jesus’ death as demonstrated by the three events that occurred during Jesus’ crucifixion and His burial. Pastor Babij warns believers to beware of religious pluralism and the belief that it is not necessary to trust in Christ’s death and resurrection for salvation.
In today’s sermon, Pastor Babij teaches several points concerning Jesus’ crucifixion: Three characteristics now associated with Jesus Three highlighted groups of sinners Several thoughts to ponder regarding Jesus’ death Pastor Babij encourages believers to remember that Jesus’ death and resurrection provide Christians with hope for today; such thoughts are precious treasures that will transform a…
In today’s sermon, Pastor Babij examines Mark’s account of Jesus’ trial before Pilate. Pastor Babij explains: Pilate wanted to save Jesus but instead gave into the crowd’s demand to release Barabbas. Faith sees salvation in these events; Christ had to die to win. God used the power of evil to bring about its own demise.…
In today’s sermon, Pastor Babij examines Peter’s denial of Jesus and teaches three main lessons: Even the faith of a strong disciple, such as Peter, can fail in dire circumstances when that person depends upon his own strength and not on the Lord’s power. Jesus will compassionately and lovingly restore the truly repentant, as He…
In today’s sermon Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ trial and explains how Jesus was in complete control of the proceedings and outcome, despite the inherent illegality of the way in which the high priest and Sanhedrin prosecuted Jesus. Pastor Babij further reminds that, when Jesus returns, Jesus will be to each person either a ferocious Judge…
In today’s sermon, Pastor Babij explains that, despite how the situation appeared when Jesus was arrested, the Lord was in complete control. Pastor Babij shows that Jesus perfectly set up His arrest in fulfilment of the Scriptures. Pastor Babij also teaches that the gospel cannot be advanced by fleshly coercion but only through spiritual means;…
In today’s sermon Pastor Babij teaches from the Gospel of Mark on the incomprehensible agony Jesus endured contemplating both the Father’s imminent wrath against the Son as the sin offering for God’s people and the Son’s separation from the Father. Pastor Babij shows how Jesus, in Jesus’ humanity, asked for a possible way out but…
In today’s sermon, Pastor Babij explains Jesus’ prediction of how the disciples would all fall away due to their arrogant belief in their own fleshly power. Pastor Babij admonishes believers today to watch over their own minds as the main front where Satan attacks. Believers are encouraged to acknowledge their fleshly weaknesses and instead rely…
In today’s sermon, Pastor Babij teaches how Jesus is the living embodiment of the Passover meal and how Jesus transformed the Passover into the Lord’s Supper. Pastor Babij then teaches how the Last Supper is a new Exodus brought about through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Pastor Babij ends by exhorting all believers to always approach…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij makes four observations regarding the Passover Jesus celebrated with the disciples. Pastor Babij shows that Jesus is not a tragic hero battling events beyond Jesus’ control but that, instead: Jesus was in total control of all the Passover preparations Jesus prophesied His betrayal Jesus has divine providence and is the…
In today’s sermon Pastor Babij teaches on the extraordinary act of love performed by Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, when she anointed Jesus with the fragrant nard in preparation for Jesus’ burial. Pastor Babij contrasts Mary’s public and extravagant display of love and devotion for Jesus against that of the Jewish leaders and…
In today’s sermon, Pastor Babij encourages Christians to support the work of missionaries and teaches several central points relating to missions: The purpose of the church Biblical reasons to evangelize How believers are changed Reasons to support missions and missionaries
In today’s sermon, Pastor Babij teaches the purpose of the Seven Year Tribulation period (also known as the Seventieth Week of Daniel) and explains several important facts concerning the Lord Jesus’ return. Pastor Babij strongly encourages all of Christ’s disciples to work diligently for the kingdom of God now and to maintain a vigilant watchfulness…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains Daniel’s “abomination of desolation” and its importance for the end times; Pastor Babij shows that understanding the book of Daniel is crucial to an informed understanding of the earth’s last days. Pastor Babij also explains Jesus’ exhortation to His disciples to live in light of His imminent return and…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij looks more at Jesus’ teaching about the end times in the Olivet Discourse. Pastor Babij overviews the sequence of future events involving the antichrist and tribulation period. Pastor Babij also explains the sign Jesus says to look for and the proper reaction to the sign for those living in the latter…
Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ end-time teaching to His disciples. Jesus shows the Messianic kingdom would not immediately follow the destruction of the temple and gives His disciples two admonitions: Be on guard so that you are not deceived Be on guard against fear and anxiety
Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ question: “How is it the scribes say the Christ is the Son of David…if David himself calls Him ‘Lord’?” Pastor Babij teaches that knowing Jesus scripturally places three demands upon Christian discipleship: Greater submission to Scripture to better understand who Jesus is Greater scriptural shrewdness to identify and avoid false teachers Greater…
Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ answer to the question posed by the scribe, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus answered by connecting the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and Leviticus 19:18: “Love God with everything you are” and “love your neighbor as yourself”. Pastor Babij explains how these two principles hedge against two dangers: mysticism and…
Pastor Babij examines the Sadducces questioning of Jesus and the devious conundrum used against Jesus to make Him look ridiculous. Pastor Babij teaches how Jesus turned the tables on the Sadducces and used Moses’ writings, which the Sadducces revered, to prove that there is a resurrection and that God is the God of the living,…
Pastor Babij examines the role of human government and the Christian’s responsibilities to that government. Pastor Babij explains that Christians are to obey the lawful orders even of tyrants if they do not conflict with God’s law and to pray for those rulers. Pastor Babij also gives some counsel regarding voting in the upcoming election.
Pastor Babij examines Mark’s account of the Pharisees and Herodians attempting to trap Jesus with a question: should the Jews pay the Roman tax or not? Pastor Babij explains how Jesus showed His divine wisdom in response, avoiding the trap while clarifying the Christian’s relationship to government. From Jesus’ example, Pastor Babij points out five…
Pastor Babij exposits the parable of the vineyard and defiant vinedressers in the Gospel of Mark as he identifies four characters in the parable: the vineyard owner is the Father, the vineyard is Israel, the vinedressers are the leaders of Israel, and the son is Jesus Christ. Pastor Babij also discusses three characteristics of God…
Pastor Babij continues his exposition of the Gospel of Mark by looking at the account of the rulers of Israel confronting Jesus over His credentials. From the passage, Pastor Babij explains three characteristics of damning unbelief to beware: Refusal to Submit to Jesus’ Authority Refusal to Be Honest with the Facts Uncertainty and Fear, Especially…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem and His subsequent teaching as recorded in Mark’s gospel. Pastor Babij explains how Jesus, with His clearing the temple, exposed the Jews’ empty devotion to God. Pastor Babij then discusses how mere religious formality can be a damning danger today also and how Jesus…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree outside Jerusalem. Pastor Babij explains how the fig tree represented Israel’s spiritual barrenness and the curse represented Israel’s coming judgment. Pastor Babij then discusses the need for true Christians to bear spiritual fruit and the type of fruit a Christian should manifest in his life in order…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as recorded by Mark. Pastor Babij explains how Jesus’ good and glorious character is on display in the Jerusalem entry. Jesus shows Himself to be: 1. The King with Sovereign Control 2. The King with Humility 3. The King on a Mission of Peace…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Mark’s account of Jesus’ healing of the blind beggar Bartimaeus. Pastor Babij explains how this account reveals Jesus’ servant heart and Messiahship and gives a model for how disciples of Jesus should act, both in reaction to Jesus and in reaction to the lowly and hurting of our world.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explores how, in the midst of Jesus’ teaching regarding true greatness for His disciples, Jesus presents Himself as the ultimately great One. Pastor Babij explains Jesus’ greatness in three main points: The Greatness of Who Jesus Was: God, Man, and Messiah The Greatness of What He Became: A Suffering Servant to…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ teaching regarding how to become great in His kingdom. Pastor Babij explains that humble service and suffering are the real way to greatness. Following Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10, Pastor Babij specifically identifies four truths about greatness that followers of Christ must consider: The connection between true greatness and the true…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij wraps up his mini series on the reality of true discipleship by looking at 1 Peter 4:7-11. Pastor Babij explains five imperatives from Peter in light of the end and the coming reward for believers: Keep your head clear for the purpose of prayer Keep your heart warm for the…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij finishes explaining the five crowns given to faithful believers. Specifically, Pastor Babij discusses the Sufferer’s Crown from James 1:12 and the Watcher’s Crown in 2 Timothy 4:8. Using 1 Peter 4:7-11, Pastor Babij also examines two of the five ways Christians ought to be affected by the teaching of Christ’s judgment…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij continues discussing the judgment of believers by Christ, the judgment that determines reward. This time, Pastor Babij begins exploring the kind of rewards awaiting believers via the different crowns the Bible describes. Pastor Babij examines three of the five biblical crowns: the incorruptible crown (The Steadfast Runner’s Crown), the crown…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij further explores the believer’s reward mentioned by Jesus in Mark 10:28-32. Pastor Babij explains the coming judgment of believers described in 1 Corinthians 3 and 2 Corinthians 5 and how believers can ensure the best outcome; this judgment is about gaining or losing reward, not gaining or losing salvation.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij investigates Jesus’ teaching about being His true follower in Mark 10:28-31. This teaching comes right after Jesus’ conversation with the rich young ruler. Pastor Babij explains that true discipleship to Jesus 1.) has a cost, 2.) has a reward, and 3.) has an irony.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij looks at Jesus’ evangelistic encounter with the rich young ruler. As Pastor Babij explains, this account is a powerful depiction of several key truths: the need to expose man’s sin in evangelism, the folly of loving wealth, and the great mercy of God in saving sinners (since salvation is otherwise impossible).
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines in Mark the account of those bringing children to Jesus for a blessing. Pastor Babij explains how this passage shows believers two important principles: Christians should be purposeful in bringing children to Jesus, and Christians should be attentive to the character of children as a symbol of the kingdom of…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij concludes his examination of the New Testament’s teaching on marriage and divorce. In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains the two exceptions to God’s prohibition on divorce and remarriage: 1.) habitual, unrepentant, hard-hearted adultery and 2.) desertion by a non-believing spouse. Pastor Babij also discusses what a Christian should do if there is an unbiblical…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij further examines the teaching of Jesus in Mark regarding divorce. In part 4, Pastor Babij explains the meaning of “indecency” as originally intended in Moses’ divorce law in Deuteronomy 24:1-4; according to Moses, the only defilement causing divorce to be permitted is sexual immorality.
God’s binding purpose for marriage is the focal point of this sermon in which Pastor Babij explores Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce. Against a backdrop of Pharisaical provocation, Jesus’ response provides recourse to the Mosaic law. Pastor Babij draws applications from Deuteronomy and 1 Corinthians to encourage Christians to foster commitment as the fount…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ call to strive against sin, particularly separating one’s life from temptations to sin and being careful not to cause others to sin. Finally, Pastor Babij looks at the crucial role of purity in the believer’s life in the church and in the world.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ teaching on discipleship as Jesus starts journeying toward Jerusalem. Pastor Babij explains the first three of five truths on serious discipleship: listening to Jesus and understanding God’s will is paramount, self-sacrificing service to others is the greatest pursuit in this world, and discernment and restraint are necessary in…
Pastor Babij asks the crucial question of this passage, “Why do the disciples fail to cast out a demon from an epileptic boy?” In Jesus’ subsequent healing of the boy, Jesus teaches the disciples about the power of prayer in building and sustaining faith against the prevalence of unbelief.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ instruction to Peter, James, and John after they witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration. Pastor Babij explains that the disciples still did not understand the Messiah’s need to die or that the path of Jesus and of all those who follow Him is one of suffering leading to triumph, vindication, and glory.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij investigates the account of Jesus’ transfiguration. Pastor Babij explains that, in this event, God the Father unveils the Son’s inherent glory, confirms the Son as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and endorses the Son as the final revelation of God; therefore, all men must listen to and…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ call to discipleship and posits that a wrong view of Messiahship leads to a wrong view of discipleship. He explains each of the following aspects of discipleship: 1) Disciples must deny themselves 2) Disciples must take up their cross 3) Disciples must follow Christ. He concludes that an…
Pastor Babij expounds the theme of spiritual blindness and shows that unlike hypocritical religious and political leaders of Israel, Jesus is concerned about correcting his true disciples’ understanding of who he really is. When Peter confesses truthfully that Jesus in the Christ, Jesus reveals crucial points about Jesus’ role as Messiah, which depart from his…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij finishes examining the marks of spiritual blindness as detailed by Jesus in the gospel of Mark. The fifth mark of spiritual blindness is simply not understanding spiritual truth. Pastor Babij explains how, especially in our day of increasing secularization and mockery of the Bible, Christians must seek to grow in…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ warning to His disciples about bewaring of the leaven of Herod and of the Pharisees. Pastor Babij explains a fourth mark of spiritual blindness: not bewaring the dangerous influence of politics and hypocritical religion on one’s life.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ reaction to the Pharisees’ request for a heavenly sign. Pastor Babij explains how those who ask for miraculous signs in order to believe deceive themselves and how the great sign God ultimately provided in Jesus is a stumbling block and foolishness to the world.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines the account of Jesus miraculously feeding 4,000 men. Pastor Babij explains that the occasion was one in which the disciples, Jesus own followers, demonstrated spiritual dullness and blindness. Unlike Jesus, the disciples were not moved with compassion over the needs of others and did not remember that God provides for…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines the account of Jesus healing a deaf and mute man. Pastor Babij explains that, not only does the miracle vividly illustrate Jesus’ compassion, the miracle also figuratively portrays Jesus’ whole mission: Jesus came to show mercy to the helpless, to enable the spiritually deaf to understand and speak God’s…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ exchange with a Syro-Phoenician woman in Mark 7. Pastor Babij discusses the woman’s great humility, understanding, and faith as she comes to Jesus with her request. When people truly understand and accept Jesus as He is, like this woman does, instead of as they imagine Him to be, that is when they become…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij investigates Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees over ceremonial hand-washing. Pastor Babij discusses how Jesus uses the occasion to correct the Pharisees on the source of true uncleanness before God: not bodily contact with unclean objects or people, but an idolatrous, defiled heart. As Pastor Babij explains, unless a person’s heart is cleansed by God, that…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines a summary passage from Mark describing Jesus’ ministry in Gennesaret. Pastor Babij explains how the people of that region were drawn to Jesus and felt an urgent need to bring others to Jesus. Pastor Babij then considers what application this passage has for Christians and how, practically, they can be like…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines the account of Jesus’ walking on the water and appearing to His disciples during a storm. Pastor Babij explains how this account shows us much about the compassion of Jesus and His intention to reveal His glory to His people.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines the account of Jesus miraculously feeding 5,000 men (15,000 to 20,000 people) in Mark 6. Pastor Babij explains that the miracle was actually a purposeful teaching moment; Jesus was teaching His disciples to simply be obedient with their limited resources to Christ’s commands and then watch God work.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines the account of John the Baptist’s death from the Gospel of Mark. Pastor Babij explains the effect of God’s truth on Herod’s and Herodias’ consciences and how they chose to ignore the message and even attack the messenger to protect their sin. In light of this principle, Pastor Babij discusses what…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ return to Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. Pastor Babij explains how the town’s inhabitants, as they continually question and take offense at Jesus, actually display the most heinous sin of all before God. Pastor Babij also points out how many today are just like the people of Nazareth and explains how Christians ought…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij finishes analyzing the narrative sandwich of Mark 5:21-43, this time focusing on Jairus and the death of Jairus’ daughter. Pastor Babij explains how Jesus’ power, compassion, and authority are all put on display as Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Pastor Babij also discusses how this episode previews Christ’s ultimate…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij looks at the narrative sandwich regarding Jairus’ dying daughter and the woman with the bleeding issue. In part 1, Pastor Babij focuses on the desperate woman with the bleeding issue, explaining how her encounter with Jesus reveals more about the identify of Jesus, the compassion of Jesus, the power of Jesus, and…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij investigates Jesus’ interaction with the man possessed by a legion of demons in Mark 5. Pastor Babij explains that this account is really focused not on the demoniac, but on Jesus, showing the following about Jesus: His preeminence, His power, His mercy, and His mission. Jesus directly contrasts everything that a demon…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines the account of Jesus calming the wind and waves on the stormy Sea of Galilee. While this event is instructive when it comes to how the believer perseveres through trials and suffering, Pastor Babij explains that this episode is ultimately about who Jesus is. Truly, who Jesus is and who…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains Jesus’ Parable of the Mustard Seed. This parable, too, speaks of God’s Kingdom, and how a humble and insignificant looking beginning will later result in a globally significant dominion containing all nations of the earth. Pastor Babij also summarizes the parables presented in Mark 4 and asks how Jesus wants us to…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines Jesus’ parable of the growing seed. Pastor Babij explains how the parable describes the mysterious power of the Word of God, the secret but certain growth of the Kingdom of God, and the coming gathering and judgment in the Harvest of God.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines the Jesus’ Parable of the Lamp. In interpreting this parable, Pastor Babij explains what the lamp is and how it exposes what is hidden. He also explains the promises Jesus gives with this parable: a promise of more blessing to those who heed the message and a warning of loss to…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains what parables are, why Jesus used them, and what Jesus was teaching in the Parable of the Sower/ Parable of the Soils. This particular parable is very relevant for how we understand God’s role in salvation and our own experience as evangelists.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij shows that many in the crowds following Jesus during His earthly ministry did not actually believe in Him; some in the crowd just wanted miracles and freedom from Rome, others thought Jesus was insane, and still others claimed Jesus used demonic power. Pastor Babij explains Jesus’s response to these attitudes and what being a true…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines the unique challenges that arose in Jesus’s Galilean ministry and how Jesus overcame them. These challenges were: people misrepresenting/mistreating Him, people imposing upon Him, spiritual forces seeking to hinder Him, and ministry needs beyond the capacity of one person. Pastor Babij also explains how these circumstances were instructive to the apostles and…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij further explains how Jesus confronts the Pharisaic understanding of the Sabbath in the account of the man with the withered hand. Jesus’s exchange with the Pharisees shows us that, when we add to God’s commands and teach others to do the same, we miss the original intention of God’s laws and end becoming even worse…
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains Jesus’s answer to the Pharisees when they accused His disciples of working on the Sabbath. Jesus’s answer reveals the folly of legalism: how it distorts the true intentions of God’s law and suffocates real worship of God.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains how Jesus’s answer to the Pharisees regarding fasting actually points to a grand truth: salvation requires total submission to Jesus and His gospel; all other man-made religious traditions and ideas about God must be discarded.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij examines the conversion of Levi the tax collector and explains how the account not only displays the radical goodness of Jesus toward undeserving sinners but also instructs believers as to how they ought to interact with the lost.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains how Jesus’s healing of a paralyzed man before a group of scribes demonstrates Jesus’s deity. Pastor Babij also discusses why personal evangelism is so important for people to become saved.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij preaches on the compassion of Jesus Christ shown through Jesus’s interaction with a leprous man. Pastor Babij gives background regarding leprosy and then explains the leper’s humble petition, Jesus’s radically compassionate response, and Jesus’s stern warning to the leper.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains how Jesus’s servanthood ought to both amaze and instruct us: Jesus personally serves common people with common needs; Jesus serves constantly, even through inconvenience or tiredness; Jesus prays in preparation for more service; and Jesus prioritizes proclaiming the gospel above all other kinds of service.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains why the Galilean Jews were amazed at Jesus’s authority and why Jesus’s authority should amaze us today, too, moving us to obedience.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains the significance of Jesus going public when He did, what it meant for the kingdom of God to be at hand, and why repentance and belief are the necessary response. He also discusses what repentance and belief actually are.
In this sermon, Pastor Babij explains how Jesus’ victory over temptation in the wilderness shows Jesus to be the second Adam and how believers ought to, as new creations in Christ, combat temptation like Jesus did.